NOLA Neighborhoods

New Orleans is a city of neighborhoods: Uptown, the CBD, Treme, Mid-City, Lakeview, and more. We know it can be confusing (it took us awhile to find our way around, too!), so here’s a little guide to help you navigate the city’s many amazing, unique neighborhoods.

The Big Picture

The Neighborhoods French Quarter — AKA Vieux Carré or the Quarter. The oldest neighborhood in the city, it stretches along the Mississippi River from Canal St. to Esplanade Ave., and into North Rampart St. It is easily recognizable by its architectural styles: Spanish, French, Creole and American, decorated with an abundance of cast iron balconies. The Quarter is the perfect place to people-watch and experience the city’s unique cuisine and shopping.

CBD/Downtown — The Central Business District is often simply called the ‘CBD.’ Generally refers to the portion of the city down the river from Canal St. and just up from the Quarter. In addition to businesses and hotels, you’ll also find great restaurants and young professionals living here. Included in this neighborhood are also the American Sector and the Warehouse District.

Arts District — Adjacent to the CBD, the Arts District is the perfect place to find museums and art galleries. It is a designated Louisiana Cultural District. An Art Walk, held the first Saturday of each month showcases the galleries and their fantastic works.

Garden District — Known for its antebellum mansions and beautiful gardens, the Garden District runs from St. Charles Ave. to Magazine St. and from Jackson St. to Louisiana Ave. It is also home to the historic (and famous) Lafayette Cemetery #1 . The Garden District was originally settled by wealthy citizens who desired classic architec- ture. The neighborhood still exudes tradition and beauty.

Uptown — Upriver of the Garden District, Uptown’s boundaries stretch to Broadway St. Uptown features both magnificent 19th century homes and traditional shotgun homes. Its galleries, stores, restaurants, and cafés give it a small town feel. Uptown is also home to Audubon Park and Zoo. One of our favorite streets in Uptown is Freret St. Locals are quickly adopting a lot of the restaurants on Freret St. as their favorites.

Carrollton — Home to Tulane and Loyola Universities, Carrollton was originally founded as a resort away from the city. A “college town” complete with shops, coffee houses, and restaurants, it still retains a relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to ride the streetcar to take it all in and check out the Arts Market of New Orleans at Palmer Park on the last Saturday of each month. Mid-City — Considered by some as the “heart of New Orleans,” Mid-City is home to some of our favorite restau- rants and places to visit: City Park, New Orleans Museum of Art, the “Cities of the Dead,” Rock ’n Bowl, and Angelo Brocato’s Gelato. Mid-City is also the home to a new shopping center we’re excited about! It is a neighborhood characterized by locals and transplants, by the old meeting the new.

Lakeview — Right next to Lake Pontchartrain, Lakeview was one of the first residential areas in the city. The Lak- eview neighborhood encompasses Lakeview, Lakewood, West End, and Navarre. One of the hardest hit areas in Hurricane Katrina, Lakview is growing again and there are many wonderful local restaurants.

Esplanade Ridge — In the 19th century, Esplanade Ridge was home to the Creole upper class. You’ll find 19th and early 20th century homes, as well as many new residences. It is home to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival each spring.

Treme — We know, we know. Treme was an HBO show, so there’s not much else to tell. The New Orleans Visi- tor’s Bureau calls Treme a “vital American landmark for African-American and Creole culture.” It is considered to be the cultural heart of the city. Treme is home to Louis Armstrong Park, the Mahalia Jackson Theater, St. Louis Cemetery #1 (well worth a tour), and St. Augustine Church (the oldest African-American Catholic Church in the USA). There are also lots of museums and landmarks that celebrate the Treme’s rich heritage.

Gentilly — If you live on campus, this is your neighborhood! It is a mostly residential neighborhood that features English, Spanish, and Mediterranean style homes. Gentilly Blvd. and US Hwy. 90 are part of the Old Spanish Trail that once connected St. Augustine, FL to Los Angeles, CA. Gentilly is also part of the Upper Ninth Ward.

The Ninth Ward — The Ninth Ward is NOLA’s most infamous ward. It includes both the Upper Ninth and the Lower Ninth, split by the Industrial Canal. Some items of note in the Ninth Ward include the Lakefront Airport, Fort Macomb, the Bayou Savage National Wildlife Refuge, and the Irish Bayou.

The Upper Ninth is sometimes referred to as New Orleans East. It was the site of some of the most devastating losses during Katrina, and is now known for the Habitat for Humanity Musician’s Village, which was founded in part by Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick, Jr. The Musician’s Village features the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.

The Lower Ninth Ward, on the other side of the Canal, is the home to the Jackson Barracks and the Louisiana National Guard. The Lower Ninth is also home to the historic Holy Cross Neighborhood.

Marigny & Bywater — Faubourg Marigny was NOLA’s second suburb. These two neighborhoods are two of the most distinct neighborhoods in the city. The architecture includes Creole, Italian, and American, and this diversity is reflected in the people as well. They are creative communities, full of local performers and artisans. The Marigny is home to Frenchman Street, where you can listen to music, dance, eat, and visit the nightly Art Market. The By- water is the Marigny’s “edgier” sister, with more eclectic local arts. These diverse neighborhoods are committed to cultural preservation.

Algiers — Across the river from the French Quarter, Algiers is a ferry ride away. It was once home to numerous industries, including powder and gun factories, the railroad, and parts for the steamboats. The neighborhood had a love for music (in 1911, there were 36 music and dance halls!) and was the home of many local musicians. Algiers Point is still a favorite for outdoor concerts. The riverfront in Algiers is where you’ll find walking paths, theaters, studios, and stores.

Take time to visit NOLA’s neighborhoods to discover all the city has to offer. Each neighborhood has a distinct character that is a part of the cultural fabric of New Orleans. Bienvenue en Louisiane!

For more information, check out these sites: New Orleans Online: http://www.neworleansonline.com/tools/neighborhoodguide/ New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.neworleanscvb.com/visit/neighborhoods/